Sequoia Fires Winding Down

Cooler weather, some rain, weather on the way, and the work of wildland fire fighters could spell the end for two fires that have sent smoke toward the Eastern Sierra in recent weeks.

Firefighters have been working since September 10th to stop the Hidden Fire burning in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. Park officials report that the Hidden Fire is now 100% contained and 3700 acres in size.

Park Officials also say that with cooler temperatures, some rain, and higher humidity, the Tehipite Fire is now growing more slowly. With no structures threatened, the plan was to let the Tehipite Fire burn out naturally. Fire officials say that lately the fire has moved into rocks and green meadow areas that have deterred its spread and that the fire is doing its job by burning downed vegetation that hasn’t burned in 100 years.

Over half of the fire is on the Sequoia National Forest. At last word the fire was 11,085 acres in size. How the storm predicted this weekend will affect this fire that has sent smoke toward the Eastern Sierra since July, is yet to be seen.